Morgan was a student at the lab starting in 1889 and later returned nearly every summer to conduct research.

Morgan was a pioneer in using fruit flies for genetic research, proving hereditary material was located on chromosomes.

He received the first-ever Nobel Prize in the field of genetics in 1933. His granddaughters said there was no better place than the laboratory to leave the gold medal prize and diploma.

The diploma was created by artist Jerk Werkmaster. It depicts buildings with gold roofs and a woman with a laurel wreath floating under the sun. In 1965, certain Nobel diplomas were simplified to omit art.